Dozens of protesters arrested in Fight for $15 demonstrations

Dozens of people have been arrested during nationwide demonstrations for a $15 minimum wage.

Los Angeles police said they took 40 people into custody during protests, part of what was called a national "day of disruption" in the Fight for $15 movement.

In Oakland, California police arrested 27 people for obstructing the streets and sidewalks, all of whom were later released.

New York City police told CNNMoney that 26 protesters were arrested there Tuesday for disorderly conduct. They were also released, organizers say.

The protesters were sitting in the middle of Broadway as part of a "civil disobedience action," said Rachel Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Service Employees International Union, which is supporting the protesters.

The New York protesters included fast food workers, airport workers, Uber drivers and messengers.

Demonstrations are taking place or are planned in hundreds of cities, organizers say. At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, janitors, baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants went on strike Tuesday demanding a $15 hourly wage.

New York police arrested 26 protesters who are calling for a $15 hourly wage for fast food and airport workers.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. It is higher in some states and cities -- for example, $9 in New York and $10.50 in Chicago.

The Fight for $15 movement is credited with pushing lawmakers into adopting higher minimums. California and New York both passed laws this year to raise the minimum wage to $15 in coming years.